How do you Spell Relief...

12/20/2011

I am overwhelmed this morning with a sense of relief as I have never felt in my entire life.  In words I never heard my father use, I feel fucking wonderful!!!

Yesterday I received a notice from Social Security letting me know my monthly stipend is to be increased by 3+ percent or something.  The Nancy had opened it as she opened the other mail and handed it to me.  The first paragraph outlined the increase.  The first was followed by the second paragraph, and what I read caused me to nearly toss my dinner.

When I begin junior high school back in February 1956 I was placed in a remedial reading program.  Reading was not my thing, and I always thought I hated reading, but now know why.  My reading comprehension level was very low then, and still is.  I recognized early on I am a visual learner and a lazy reader.  I tend to skip over words and even complete sentences.  Very often I when reading I have to re-read sentences to understand what was said.  Very frankly, it’s a pain in the ass.  This held true last night.

As I read the second paragraph of this notice I began to choke up.  What I read led me to believe I was going to have to give back to Social Security every nickel it paid to me over the last two years, bringing on a pounding heart and instant nausea.  My evening was ruined as these thoughts ruminated over and over in my simple mind.  I couldn’t hardly get excited as the 49’ers whooped up on a team I love to see lose, the Pittsburgh Steelers, on Monday Night Football.

This morning I picked up the notice with the intent of reading every word of it one more time.  I read the first paragraph.  A-Okay!  I began to read the second paragraph where it explained what I thought I read last night.  There is a limit on the amount one can earn in the year the individual reaches full-retirement age.  What I read last night pertained to someone reaching that age in 2011, and that ain’t me.  I am safe.  I reached that age almost two years ago.  “R-e-l-i-e-f!” Yippee, on being old enough to fart dust.  I cannot put into words the relief I feel this morning.

Now I can get back into the Christmas spirit.

And that is all I have to say about that…